The Further Development of Civil War

The Further Development of Civil War (1642-1660)

Start of the War and Early Campaigns

  • The start of the Civil War witnessed indecision on both sides. Neither Parliament nor the Royalists were fully convinced victory was sure, leading to uncommitted combat and skirmishes rather than full-scale battles.

  • Despite this, the beginning of the war was marked by several important skirmishes. Key battles include Edgehill (October 1642) and Turnham Green (November 1642).

  • The Battle of Edgehill, fought in Warwickshire, was noted for its indecisive outcome. While the King’s forces delivered brisk initial attack, Parliamentarians withstood the onslaught leading to a stalemate.

  • In contrast, the Battle of Turnham Green outside London emphasised the military advantage of the Parliamentarians. The larger forces managed to block the Royalist army and forced them to withdraw.

The Role of Scotland and Ireland

  • The role of Scotland and Ireland was crucial in the Civil War. Both regions had unique relationships with the English Crown and Parliament, playing important strategic roles in the conflict.

  • The Bishops’ Wars (1639-1640) in Scotland directly fuelled tensions leading to the Civil War. Opposition to King Charles I’s religious policies was fierce, creating a united Scottish force which would come to side with Parliamentarians in the English Civil War.

  • Similarly, Ireland was a crucial theatre of conflict. The Irish rebellion (1641) and subsequent Confederation of Kilkenny deeply influenced the course of the English Civil War, lending Parliament vital military support.

Factors Affecting the War’s Progress

  • The formation of the New Model Army in 1645 marked a turning point by creating a professional, disciplined, and centrally-commanded force under Parliament’s control. This contrasted sharply with the earlier makeshift forces.

  • This period also witnessed increased influence of radical political groups such as the Levellers, seeking deeper political reform. This increased political factionalism and added complexity to the conflict.

  • The Civil War was characterised by shifting alliances and betrayals. One notable alliance was the Scots siding with Parliament to form the so-called ‘Solemn League and Covenant’. However, the Scots later switched alliance to support Charles I in the second Civil War.

Key Events in the War’s Progress

  • The Capture of King Charles I by the Scots in 1646 marked a significant turning point. They handed him over to Parliament, leading to the Second Civil War.

  • The Second Civil War (1648) was much shorter and less intensive than the first, but its political and social fallout was significant. It saw a rise in radicalism, leading to the eventual trial and execution of Charles I.

  • Despite its turmoil, this period gave birth to precedents for modern democracy. Notably, the Putney Debates (1647), where the New Model Army debated England’s political future, forming a basis for contemporary ideas of representational democracy.

End of the War and Establishment of the Republic

  • The conclusion of the Second Civil War led to the trial and execution of Charles I in 1649, marking an end to absolute monarchical rule in England.

  • This was followed by the declaration of a Commonwealth in 1653 with Oliver Cromwell as Lord Protector, shifting England from monarchy to a republic.